You’re standing in the middle of the electronics aisle. The fluorescent lights are humming. You just want a screen for the guest room or maybe a monitor that doesn't cost a mortgage payment, and you're staring at a wall of boxes. It's overwhelming. Honestly, buying a 32 in TV Target carries in-store or online feels like it should be simpler than it actually is in 2026. Most people think they can just grab the cheapest one and walk out. Big mistake.
Budget TVs have changed.
A few years ago, a 32-inch set was basically a plastic box with a grainy picture. Now? You’re looking at platforms like Roku, Google TV, and Vizio’s SmartCast all fighting for that tiny bit of real estate. Target has become a weirdly specific battleground for these brands. Because Target curates their shelf space so aggressively, they don't carry the "junk" brands you might find at a deep-discount wholesaler, but they also aren't stocking $2,000 OLEDs in this size. It’s a middle-ground paradise.
The Resolution Trap: 720p vs 1080p
Let's get real about pixels. If you look at the specs for a 32 in TV Target lists on their website, you’ll notice a lot of them are still 720p. In 2026, that sounds like a relic from the Stone Age. Is it? Well, it depends on how close you're sitting.
If this TV is going on a kitchen counter and you’re viewing it from six feet away while chopping onions, you will never, ever notice the difference between 720p and 1080p. Your eyes literally cannot resolve that many pixels at that distance on a screen this small. Save the twenty bucks. But—and this is a big "but"—if you are using this as a secondary gaming monitor or it’s sitting on a desk three feet from your face, 720p will look like a blurry mess. You’ll see the "screen door effect" where the gaps between pixels become visible.
Vizio and Samsung usually lead the pack at Target for the 1080p options. The Vizio D-Series has been a staple there for years because it hits that sweet spot of Full HD without the "premium" tax. Westinghouse and Element? They usually hang out in the 720p basement. They’re fine for a kid's playroom where the primary content is a YouTuber screaming about Minecraft, but don't expect cinematic glory.
Smart Platforms: Roku is Still King
Software matters more than hardware in this category. Why? Because these TVs have weak processors.
When you buy a massive 75-inch Sony, the chip inside is a beast. When you buy a cheap 32 in TV Target has on sale, the processor is barely more powerful than a calculator. This makes heavy operating systems feel sluggish. This is why the Roku TV models—usually from brands like TCL or Hisense—are almost always the better buy. Roku's interface is "dumb" in the best way possible. It’s just a grid of icons. It doesn't need a lot of horsepower to run.
On the flip side, some of the lower-end Google TV models can feel a bit "laggy." You press a button on the remote, wait half a second, and then the cursor moves. It’s infuriating. If you’re shopping the Target aisles, look for the "Roku TV" badge on the top corner of the box. It’s the safest bet for a frustration-free experience.
The Sound Problem Nobody Mentions
These TVs sound thin. Actually, they sound like a cell phone in a tin can.
Physics is the enemy here. A 32-inch TV is thin and light. There is no room for a decent speaker magnet or a cabinet for air to move. Most of these sets have two 5-watt or 8-watt speakers firing downward. If you're putting this in a bedroom, the sound will bounce off the dresser and get muffled.
- Get a cheap soundbar. Even a $50 one.
- Use headphones. Most of these TVs have a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth.
- Check for "Dialogue Enhancement" settings in the menu.
I’ve seen people return perfectly good TVs to Target because they thought the speakers were broken. They weren't broken; they were just small. If audio matters to you, factor an extra bit of budget for a compact soundbar or stick to the Samsung models, which tend to have slightly better "Object Tracking Sound Lite" software to trick your ears into thinking the audio is bigger than it is.
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Gaming on a Small Scale
Target is a go-to for parents buying a TV for a Nintendo Switch or a PS5. Here’s the deal: don't overspend on "gaming features" for a 32-inch screen.
You aren't getting 120Hz refresh rates here. You aren't getting VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) in most cases. What you want to look for is "Game Mode." Most TCL and Vizio sets at Target include this. It cuts down input lag—the delay between you moving the thumbstick and the character moving on screen. For a casual gamer, it's plenty. If you're a competitive Call of Duty player, you shouldn't be looking at a TV anyway; you need a dedicated gaming monitor.
The "Target Brand" Factor: Element Electronics
You'll see a lot of Element TVs at Target. Sometimes they are the only thing in stock during a big sale. They are often assembled in the USA (with global components), which is a cool talking point. They are the definition of "utilitarian." They work. They show a picture. They get you onto Netflix. Are they going to win an award for color accuracy? No. But if you're looking for the absolute lowest price on a 32 in TV Target offers, this is usually it.
The warranty is the real kicker. Target's guest services are generally great about exchanges if you get a "lemon" with a dead pixel. That's the advantage of buying here versus some random seller on an enthusiast site.
Practical Steps for the Smart Buyer
Stop looking at the box art. The pictures on the box are simulated and look way better than the actual screen.
- Measure your stand. 32-inch TVs usually have "feet" at the ends rather than a center pedestal. Make sure your furniture is wide enough.
- Check the HDMI ports. Some cheap sets only have two. If you have a cable box, a gaming console, and a streaming stick, you’re already out of room. Look for at least three ports.
- Download the Target App. Use the "Price Match" feature. If the TV is cheaper on the website or a competitor's site, they’ll usually match it at the register.
- Look for "Open Box." Check near the electronics tech desk. People return these TVs constantly because they realized they actually wanted a 40-inch. You can save 20-30% just for a bit of tape on the box.
Don't overthink it. It's a small TV. It’s meant to make your life easier, not more complicated. Grab a 1080p Roku model if it's on sale, snag a cheap HDMI cable (don't let them upsell you on the "gold-plated" $40 ones), and go home. You've got shows to watch.
The real value isn't in the specs; it's in the convenience of picking it up while you're already buying paper towels and snacks. That’s the Target way. Luck favors the informed, and now you know exactly which boxes to ignore and which one to put in the cart.